Men's Basketball

PSUGA Looks to Secure #1 Seed Against Fayette

Feb 11, 2018

McKeesport, Pa. – The Penn State Greater Allegheny Men’s Basketball Team (18-6, 12-3) have a chance to secure the number one seed in the Penn State University Athletic Conference playoffs when they battle PSU-Fayette (11-12, 8-7) on Monday at 8 p.m. After defeating PSU-Wilkes Barre on Friday, PSUGA moved into a tie with PSU-Brandywine for the top spot in the conference, and, because they beat them earlier this season they own the tie breaker.

After that win, PSUGA had to win out to secure the number one seed and they are half way to doing that after defeating PSU-Worthington Scranton on Saturday 101-70. The game was close through the first half with PSUGA holding just a three point lead going into halftime, but a season high 60-point second half helped them secure their 18th win of the season.

Jordon Payne (McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport) found his groove once again scoring a team high 25-points. Payne had found himself in a slump the previous two games scoring a combined 15 points, but he was able to get back at it on Saturday. Payne has been the undisputed leader of the PSUGA offense and will certainly be counted on again in the playoffs.

Kenny Rouse (Duquesne, Pa./West Mifflin) scored a season-high 19 points, Jeremy McMunn (Pittsburgh, Pa./Woodland Hills) scored 17, and Curtis Newby (Sharon, Pa./Sharon HS) picked up 14 points to round out the top scorers. Newby also picked up his 14th double-double of the season with a team leading 11 rebounds.

PSU-Fayette enters the contest having won their last four games as they try to make the PSUAC playoffs. Fayette is clinging to the last playoff spot in the PSUAC and needs a win on Monday night, or a PSU-Hazleton loss to secure the playoff spot. Fayette defeated Penn State DuBois last time out 91-57 and were led by London Hoxie’s 32-point effort.

PSUGA has had its fare share of struggles against PSU-Fayette in the past with a record of 5-9 against them since the 2011/2012 season. It would be PSUGA that would triumph earlier this season getting an 80-73 win. Payne and Newby led the way on that night scoring 23 and 16 points respectively.

PSUGA is looking to enter the PSUAC playoffs with some momentum having won their last seven contests. As of right now, PSUGA would have a bye for the first round of the playoffs and would play their first playoff game on February 17th against the lowest remaining seed. The PSUAC Championships are scheduled for February 18th at PSU-Brandywine.

Monday’s contest between PSUGA and PSU-Fayette is scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m. It will be the second half of a Men’s and Women’s Basketball Double Header.